Studying abroad vs studying in India – Which will you go for?

The decision about your higher education is not one to take lightly. It can shape your career, determine the starting salary you can ask for, influence the employment opportunities available to you and affect many other aspects of your life. While an impressive 13,35,878 Indian students are currently pursuing their higher studies abroad, you may still be wondering if it’s the right choice for you. The common concerns for Indian students are:

• Will I be able to afford it?
• How will I manage without family and friends?
• Will I be able to adjust to a new lifestyle surrounded by new people and a new culture?
• What about the language barrier?

All of these concerns are valid, and you should think them through carefully before making your decision. We are here to help you understand whether these challenges are truly insurmountable and whether studying abroad is the right path ahead for Indian students.

Factors to consider when studying abroad

Your financial capacity, choice of programme and career goals should all be considered before deciding whether to study in India or abroad.

• What is your dream programme?

If you have great passion and aptitude for a subject area, pursuing academic qualifications in that field is a good idea. This can help you build a career that offers both job satisfaction and growth opportunities. First, identify your area of interest and decide what academic qualifications you want to pursue.

Next, research whether Indian universities offer this programme and if they have a good reputation for it. In many cases, you may find that overseas universities offer more programme options, majors and specialisations than institutions in India.

• How much can you afford to spend?

Many Indian students believe the biggest roadblock to studying abroad is the cost involved. It includes not just the tuition fees but also other expenses such as:

• Travel to and from another country
• Living expenses during your studies
• Accommodation
• Visa/ immigration costs

If you study in India, you can avoid most of these costs. But you must remember that scholarships are available that can cover a significant portion of the expenses involved in international education, especially tuition fees. Take a look at our post outlining the cost of studying at the top study abroad destinations for Indian students.

One critical step for every student aspiring to study abroad is to thoroughly research scholarships and apply to all those you are eligible for. Some may even cover your living costs, travel and other expenses.

For example, the Chevening scholarship includes a monthly stipend, covers travel costs to and from the UK, and even provides arrival and departure allowances. Read more about the Chevening scholarship for Indians. 

• What are your career goals?

If you have always dreamed of working in a multinational company or a leading global brand, then an education from an international university will give you an edge over your peers. Many companies prefer candidates who can seamlessly collaborate with teams from different parts of the world. When you study abroad, you are exposed to such environments regularly.

If you aim to make a career in a specialised field, studying abroad can be a smart choice. International universities offer a wide range of niche specialisations.

• How comfortable are you staying away from family/friends?

The cost of travelling to and from overseas study destinations makes it difficult to make frequent visits back home. If you have responsibilities in India or aren't comfortable staying away from your family and friends, studying in India is a better option for you.

Pros and cons of studying in India vs. studying abroad

Before you decide, analyse the pros and cons of each option.

What are the advantages of studying in India?

• Easy on your finances: Studying in India may be cheaper than studying abroad, meaning you do not have to worry about huge expenses. If you study in your hometown, you can avoid living costs altogether, and even if you move to a different city, the costs are generally reasonable.
• Familiar surroundings: It is easy to get around and adjust in India because of the comparatively familiar environment. You may have relatives or friends in your new city who can support you. The cultural similarity allows you to fit in easily.
• Easy access to family and friends: Even if you are in a different city, you can return home within hours or a couple of days, depending on the distance and mode of transport. Within India, train travel is relatively cheap.

What are the disadvantages of studying in India?

• Tough competition: Every year, many students give their best to get admission to top colleges. The competition is high. 
• Restricted worldview: Studying in India may limit your exposure to people from other countries and can restrict your worldview.
• Infrastructure constraints: Apart from the top-rated colleges in India, not all institutions have world-class facilities that enhance your academic training.
• Limited research opportunities: If you plan to pursue research after your studies, your options within India are limited, and so is research funding.

What are the advantages of studying abroad?

• Global exposure: The chance to interact with people from all parts of the world is an opportunity to gain a global perspective. You will learn how to work with peers from different backgrounds and cultures. Employers give great value to this experience.
• Flexible study options: Many countries offer flexible academic options that you may not find in India. For example, at top US universities, you can start your study programme with an undeclared major and take time to decide which subject interests you most. In some UK universities, you can customise your coursework by choosing from a range of modules. There are also short-term courses that let you learn new skills alongside your main coursework. 
• Practical overseas experience: Most foreign universities have industry connections that provide internship or project opportunities with brands and companies in your study location. This gives you invaluable experience working outside India.
• Strong research opportunities: The education system in foreign countries emphasises research, and often, ample funding is provided. Many international students complete their research and go on to become faculty members. Some students return to India and find relevant jobs. They are supported by a resume that appeals to prospective employers.
• A chance to realise your dream: You wouldn't be reading this if you hadn't dreamt of studying abroad. It is no longer a distant dream that only a few can afford. With the number of education loans and scholarships available today, international higher education is far more accessible. If you can submit the required documents, have a good academic track record and meet the eligibility criteria set by the bank, an education loan is usually guaranteed.
• Gain work experience in a foreign country: Most popular study destinations allow international students to remain in the country for up to 3 years after graduation. This gives you ample time to explore job opportunities and gain international work experience, after which, you can expect a higher salary back home.
• Post-study work permit regulations at popular study destinations abroad

The USA: (More details are available on the US Immigration website)

• International students with F1 visas can work on campus from the first year of their academic programme
• You may also take up off-campus employment, but there are restrictions limiting these options to three types of employment

The United Kingdom: (Know more about the Graduate visa on the UK government website)

• The Graduate Visa allows you to stay in the UK and work for 2 years after your study programme.
• For those who completed a PhD in the UK, this period extends to three years
• Once your Graduate Visa expires, you may be able to switch to a Skilled Worker visa

Canada:

• Some graduates may be eligible for a PGWP or Post Graduate Work permit (More information on the Canadian immigration pages here)
• You can apply for an employer-specific work permit or an Open Work Permit if you are not eligible for the PGWP

Australia:

• The Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 allows international students to live and work in Australia after completing their studies.
• As part of the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, Indian students can continue to access post post-study work visa.
  • Students who complete a bachelor's degree (including Honours) are eligible for PSW up to 2 years.
  • Students who complete their master's course are eligible for 3 years of PSW.
  • For doctoral degrees, it is 4 years.

New Zealand: (Details on the New Zealand immigration site here)

• You can apply for a Post Study Work visa, which allows you to stay and work in New Zealand for up to three years after completing your course at the university.

Ireland:

• While studying, you can work part-time within specific time restrictions. (Check the Irish Immigration website for post-study work permit details)
• After you graduate, you can extend your visa for up to two years, during which you can find and transition into a full-time job. 

What are the disadvantages of studying abroad?

• The financial burden: The biggest worry most students have about studying abroad is the higher cost. The cost of tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and your visa can all add up. If you cannot afford it, you may need a bank loan, which means a financial responsibility for a significant number of years.
• Visa/ Immigration: It is not always a simple process to get a visa, and political events often impact how difficult it can be. The process involves costs and delays. For example, the US F1 visa process has been more complex with mandatory social media profile checks newly in place. In such situations, you need to carefully understand the regulations and make sure that you do not present any reason for immigration officials to reject your visa application.  
• Distance from family/ friends: It is not easy or affordable to make quick trips back to India to meet family and friends whenever you miss them. Even in an emergency, you may not be able to get back home.
• Language challenge: You must ensure that your English language ability allows you to communicate effectively, or you can face challenges. For some locations, you may have to learn the local language. Germany is a good example of a reputed study abroad destination where students will find life much easier if they can speak and understand basic German. Getting along with just English in your arsenal may prove to be a challenge outside of campus. 

How to make the right choice?

This is a decision that only you can make. What works for a friend or family member may not be right for you. So, how do you make the right decision?

• Make an informed decision, which means collecting information and basing your decision on facts. Talk to students who have studied at your preferred location to understand the ground realities. Connect with students currently studying at your desired university to know exactly what you will be walking into.
• Weighing the pros and cons of both options based on how much each matters to you personally. For example, the language issue may not be much of a challenge if you love learning new languages.
• Discuss with peers or seniors who have recently gone abroad to study and those who have opted to study in India instead. Talk about career opportunities, pay scales, ease of study, finances and all other major concerns and compare notes from both parties to get a true picture.
• Give priority to the academic quality, how well it fits your needs and your prospects after completing your degree. This is the main objective, so don’t compromise on any aspect.
• Finally, talk to the experts. Discuss your needs and then learn all about the options by talking to our counsellors at IDP Hotcourses - India. We can give you all the information needed and help you make an informed decision.

Who should consider studying abroad?

Looking beyond the initial hesitations, if:

• Global exposure and research opportunities excite you
• You are willing to be self-sufficient and put in the effort to take care of yourself,
• You are interested in building a career abroad
• Your desired course is not available in India
• You like travelling to faraway places

Then there is a good chance you will enjoy the study abroad experience. 

Who should consider studying in India?

The charm of being an international student might be exciting, but sometimes, it is important to weigh the pros and cons and make practical choices. 

If your field of study is well-established in India or if you have family or personal obligations, it would be a wise choice to continue your education in India. The world isn't going anywhere. Your circumstances might improve in the future, allowing you to explore study abroad opportunities for your master's degree or PhD. 

India offers many advantages, and with several elite institutions offering programmes in every subject area, you can find a programme that gives you a great base for a lucrative career. However, studying abroad also has its share of benefits to offer. The advantage of gaining exposure to different cultures and the chance to live independently boosts your confidence levels.

Consider the value a degree from a well-known university abroad carries with it in the global marketplace. The decision to study in India or abroad must be made by each student on their own, considering their unique circumstances and needs. However, do not let anxieties about settling into a new country or mingling with unfamiliar people prevent you from taking up a great offer to study abroad and open your horizons. 

Editor's note: This article was originally published in March 2016 by our content writer, Mahesh Ramani and previously updated by Roshna Mohan. We have since revised it to include up-to-date information and ensure its comprehensiveness.